What happens when surgical innovation meets sleepless nights? In this episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion, Dr. Alison Kole sits down with Dr. Ruchir Patel, one of the nation’s most experienced sleep physicians specializing in hypoglossal nerve stimulation, to unpack the fascinating evolution of sleep apnea treatment. If you’ve ever wondered what those Inspire commercials are really about—or what’s next on the horizon with Genio—this is the conversation you can’t sleep on.

From tongue “pacemakers” to device wars and the ethics of "the perfect patient," Alison and Ruchir go deep into how these technologies are reshaping sleep medicine. They debate payer-driven policies, the art of clinical fine-tuning, and why the future of sleep may look more like cardiology—with combination therapy and precision care.

Key teaching takeaways include:

• The evolution of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and what makes Inspire 5 game-changing
• Genio’s bilateral approach vs. Inspire’s unilateral stimulation—and why that matters
• Updated AHI and BMI inclusion criteria and what they mean for real-world patients
• Why adherence and programming skill determine success more than the device itself
• The role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DICE) and the coming paradigm shift in patient selection
• How weight loss drugs like GLP-1s (and even potential oral muscle-tone pills) could merge with device therapy
• Why “perfection” in patient candidacy may actually slow progress—and how sleep physicians can meet patients where they are

This episode challenges assumptions, sparks debate, and redefines what success looks like in treating sleep apnea.

Good Clip Moments:

1. “It’s exciting for what I call the neglected patients—the ones who gave up on CPAP because they thought there were no other options.”
2. “Can a therapy really be the gold standard if half the patients stop using it?”
3. “Managing Inspire isn’t just science—it’s an art.”
4. “Do we always have to have the perfect patient? Who is the perfect patient?”
5. “If we can improve by 50%, that’s better than doing nothing at all.”
6. Alison’s reflection: “Perfection needs to be thrown out the window—in our personal lives too.”
7. “We’re entering a cardiology-like era for sleep—combination therapies, individualized care, and maybe even an oral pill to tone your airway.”

This is not just a conversation about devices—it’s a glimpse into the next frontier of sleep medicine.

🚨 WARNING: Your Oura Ring Might Be RUINING Your Sleep! 🚨

Get ready for a mind-bending conversation with Dr. Ashtaad Dalal, the sleep doc who's about to drop some SERIOUS truth bombs about the sleep industry's biggest lies! This Georgetown University sleep medicine expert and president of the DC Sleep Society is here to expose what's really going on behind those viral TikTok sleep hacks.

🔥 VIRAL MOMENTS YOU CAN'T MISS:

"Your smartwatch is making you an insomniac!" - Dr. Dalal reveals the shocking truth about "orthosomnia" - when your Oura Ring becomes your sleep's worst enemy!

"Mouth tape without sleep study = DANGEROUS!" - These docs are coming for the influencers who claim mouth tape can cure sleep apnea. Spoiler alert: It can't, and it might hurt you!

"Magnesium glycinate vs. citrate" - One helps you sleep, the other keeps you in the bathroom all night. Guess which is which?

"Eight Sleep: Bougie or Brilliant?" - $1,100 for a smart mattress? These sleep experts break down whether it's worth your rent money!

💊 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• The real truth about magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, and other viral supplements
• Why wearable sleep data might be making your insomnia WORSE
• The only two times mouth tape is actually safe to use
• Modius Sleep device review: Does a $1,100 headband actually work?
• Why Eight Sleep has doctors excited (and your wallet nervous)
• The temperature trick that could revolutionize your sleep tonight

🎪 THE GUEST:

Dr. Ashtaad Dalal isn't your average sleep doctor. This LSU-to-Georgetown success story is:

• Board-certified in family practice AND sleep medicine
• President of the DC Sleep Society (covering DC, Maryland, AND Virginia!)
• AASM Advocacy Committee member fighting for sleep health policy
• The tech-savvy doc who uses AI to streamline patient care

🌟 WHY THIS EPISODE IS UNMISSABLE:

Two sleep medicine powerhouses go head-to-head against the misinformation machine! Dr. Kole and Dr. Dalal aren't holding back as they expose the dark side of sleep influencer culture while revealing the devices and supplements that ACTUALLY work.

Perfect for: Anyone who's ever checked their sleep score at 3 AM, bought a supplement because of TikTok, or wondered if that $1,000 mattress pad is worth it!

Is chronic sleep loss just part of “the grind”—or is it a crisis hiding in plain sight? Join Dr. Alison Kole as she sits down with neuroscientist and wellness expert Dr. Rebecca Acabchuk, plus veteran firefighter Alan  Pinsonneault   of the Holyoke Fire Department, for an eye-opening, actionable episode of “Sleep Is My Waking Passion” .

Discover:

• What sleep deprivation really looks like for frontline heroes and high-stress professionals, plus why it could be an invisible epidemic across America .
• “Tactical athletes” explained: how firefighters, police, medics, and military professionals manage sleep loss, and what civilians can learn from their battle-tested routines .
• Science-backed tips for recognizing and responding to serious fatigue—including why “listening to your body” and support from seasoned colleagues can literally save lives .
• Dr. Acabchuk’s practical, everyday hacks: mastering naps, the “sigh of relief” mindfulness practice, trigger points for self-check-ins, and how to set up safe, sleep-friendly spaces—even at work or on the road .
• Firefighter Alan’s in-the-trenches tricks: quick resets, portable sleep routines, and the importance of exercise and decompression for stamina and recovery .
• Research behind yoga nidra, NSDR (non-sleep deep rest), and progressive muscle relaxation—plus simple cues to cultivate safety and presence, for everyone from first responders to overstressed parents .
• The “WIN” mantra: What’s Important Now—an essential mental tool for resetting in moments of nighttime anxiety and racing thoughts .

Whether working 24-hour shifts, wrangling toddlers through sleepless nights, or just looking for no-nonsense ways to refill the tank, this episode is packed with candid stories, expert tips, and next-step strategies that anyone can use .

Want more?

• Learn about holistic workplace resilience at O2X, Dr. Acabchuk’s human performance company.
• Reach out to Becky and Alan for questions or mindfulness resources—links and contacts in the show notes.

Share this episode, subscribe for more expert-led sleep strategies, and join a fast-growing community reshaping what healthy, high-performance living really means—one better night’s sleep at a time .

Ever wondered why some people can’t sleep—even after treating their sleep apnea? Or why “just getting more sleep” doesn’t always work? This week, Dr. Alison Kole welcomes Australian clinical psychologist and sleep researcher, Dr. Chelsea Reynolds of Wink Sleep and Bedtime Window, for a deep dive into the world of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the little-known but scientifically explosive condition that connects them: COMISA (comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea) .

Get the straight talk on:

• What really separates insomnia from COMISA, and why tackling both matters for your health and longevity .
• Brand-new digital tools and CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) apps that deliver real, research-backed results—even for people struggling with BOTH insomnia and sleep apnea .
• The surprising science: digital CBTI can reduce insomnia, fatigue, and sleepless beliefs for people with insomnia alone—and also those with COMISA, with lasting improvements up to 6 months out .
• Why “just treating the sleep apnea” doesn’t always fix insomnia, when to combine digital therapy and medical treatments, and how to break the cycle of frustration and sleepless nights .
• Behind the scenes of the latest clinical research and how to access these programs—sometimes for free if you join their research trial .

As a bonus, Dr. Reynolds gives an insider’s look at using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for anxiety-ridden, racing-thought nights—and how even the daytime habits can set you up for sleep success .

Whether you or someone you love is stuck in a never-ending loop of poor sleep, or curious about the future of digital sleep medicine, this episode is for you. Subscribe to "Sleep Is My Waking Passion," share this episode with anyone who needs real answers, and discover how evidence-based, actionable behavioral therapy can revolutionize your sleep—starting tonight .

Connect with our guest: Find Dr. Reynolds’ research and digital CBTI info at BedtimeWindow.com. Want to try the platform? Listen in for details on joining ongoing trials .

Don't miss this one—it could change how you sleep forever.

Share, tag, and rate to join a growing community passionate about better sleep health!

What if everything you think you know about narcolepsy is wrong—and what if the doctor teaching you about it is living through it right now? World Narcolepsy Day (Sept 22) sets the stage for this raw, unmissable episode featuring Dr. Lindsay McCullough: Assistant Professor, Associate Program Director at Rush University Medical Center, Project Sleep Ambassador, and a leader shaping tomorrow’s sleep doctors—all while managing her own narcolepsy.

Here are just three things this episode will change your mind about:

• Sleepiness isn’t always sleep apnea: Dr. McCullough pulls back the curtain on what narcolepsy really looks like—beyond the pop culture myths, revealing the truth about brain fog, emotional hurdles, medical gaslighting, and the impossible pressure to “power through.”
• High performers can risk everything by hiding invisible illness: She shares a heart-stopping journey from medical school burnout and misdiagnosis to finally demanding accommodations and finding her tribe—a cliffhanger every med student and doctor should hear.
• You’ll get hacks for energy, productivity, and real self-care—direct from a sleep expert living the science: From writing symptom diaries for diagnosis secrets, to real strategies for sleep hygiene and leveraging social support, these life lessons are the actual survival kit Dr. McCullough uses—and teaches the next generation.

If you’ve ever doubted your exhaustion, wondered if you’re “just tired,” or questioned whether your fatigue is really sleep apnea, this episode is for you. Your story—like so many—may be more than OSA.

This is not just another medical podcast. It’s a masterclass in resilience, self-advocacy, and redefining what’s possible for patients, trainees, and doctors alike.

Spread the word for World Narcolepsy Day—and be brave enough to ask if your exhaustion could be something else.

Guest Spotlight: Kayla Ireland

Meet Kayla Ireland—author, disability advocate, and host of Kindly Neurodivergent with Kay. Kayla’s lived experience with cerebral palsy and epilepsy is not just a story of overcoming challenges; it’s a blueprint for thriving in a world that too often overlooks disability, sleep struggles, and neurodivergence.

Why This Conversation Will Change Everything

Sleep isn’t just downtime for Kayla—it’s the foundation for everything she does. In this raw conversation, Dr. Alison Kole and Kayla Ireland shed light on how living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy means every night's rest is an uphill fight against pain, exhaustion, and unpredictable seizures—where sleep can make or break daily life. From adaptive routines to seizure monitoring, you’ll learn how basic rest becomes a radical act of self-care—and how lack of sleep can sabotage independence for millions with chronic conditions.

The Truth About Sleep, Disability, and Quality Of Life

What makes this episode a must-listen?

• Invisible labor: Kayla shares how every night is “recovery from non-stop effort,” and why fatigue isn’t just tiredness—it impacts movement, thinking, and emotional health.
• Family secrets: The vital role families play in spotting subtle seizure warning signs, plus practical ways every household can make sleep safer for disabled loved ones.
• Adaptation > Advice: Why cookie-cutter sleep tips miss the mark, and how real strategies—from bed elevation to communication support—unlock better rest and real independence.
• Universal lessons: Sleep isn’t only a medical metric—it’s a core human right. This episode uncovers the emotional toll and the power of prioritizing sleep, for disabled and neurodivergent people, but also for everyone whose sleep is more complex than it seems.

Who Should Listen?

Anyone ready to challenge what they think they know about sleep, inclusion, and healing. If you work in health, education, support, or just want another reason to advocate for a better world—this episode will give you the tools and perspective you need.

Host Dr. Alison Kole sits down with powerhouse neurologist Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation that will make you rethink everything you know about sleep, stroke, and longevity.

What if the thing holding you back isn’t ambition, or effort, or even luck... but sleep? Today, you're going to hear a story that breaks every rule in the sleep medicine playbook.

Kristen Cascio spent 15 years searching for answers—dismissed as “just tired,” overlooked by experts, and forced to live in a fog. Diagnosed with sleep apnea at 31 (and with none of the “classic” risk factors), she proves that the real signs are often invisible. Migraines. Fatigue after eight hours of sleep. Headaches. All of it missed—until one doctor looked deeper.

In this episode, Dr. Alison Kole and Kristen expose the dangerous blind spots in our health system, revealing that women—young, fit, “not the stereotype”—can suffer even more from mild sleep apnea than the numbers suggest. You’ll learn the difference between tired, sleepy, and exhausted, why so many cases go undiagnosed, and what “normal” actually feels like after life-saving treatment.

If you've ever felt unseen by medicine, worried your story didn’t fit the mold, or just want to understand why millions go undiagnosed, this is the conversation that will shift your perspective. You'll get the inside track on how Kristen travels the world with her CPAP and breaks stigma open with every badge, every border crossed, and every Instagram post.

This is not just another health podcast.
This is a wake-up call.

Are you sure you know what sleep apnea looks like—and could you spot it in yourself, your family, your friends?
Listen now, and rethink everything.

You will learn: 

* the true warning signs doctors miss

* how sleep science is failing women

* what real advocacy looks like

* and how to cut through medical jargon and get the answers you deserve.

Instagram and tiktok is @meandmycpap. I also have a website: www.meandmycpap.com

--

Welcome to "Sleep Is My Waking Passion" with Dr. Alison Kole! In today’s episode, we’re joined by the legendary Dr. Julie Foucher—a true powerhouse at the intersection of medicine and athletics. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Biomedical Engineering and completed her medical school and residency training at the Cleveland Clinic. Julie also holds a Master’s in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University and has completed the Integrative Medicine in Residency curriculum through the University of Arizona.

Julie is not just a board-certified physician, but a four-time CrossFit Games competitor, a health innovator, and the celebrated host of the Pursuing Health podcast. Her story of balancing med school with elite-level CrossFit fueled a movement—and now, she’s here to inspire you!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Unlocking Performance and Longevity Through Sleep: Discover how Julie guarded her sleep even during her most intense CrossFit training, learn strategies for better rest, and hear why sleep is non-negotiable for both mental and physical health.
• Personalized Medicine that Motivates Real Change: Hear how Julie uses genetics and precision health in her practice to make healthy habits stick—turning abstract “should-dos” into personalized action plans you’ll actually want to follow.
• Resilience, Evolving Fitness, and Functional Living: Get tips from a world-famous athlete on how your workout routine (and mindset) can evolve with time, and why focusing on functionality keeps you thriving at every age and stage.

Tune in for insider advice from Dr. Julie Foucher and get inspired to take your health, sleep, and fitness.

 For social, Julie is most active on Instagram: @juliefoucher

Facebook: @JulieFoucherCF

Twitter: @Julie_Foucher

Wild Health: https://wildhealth.com/

Where Medicine and Dentistry Collaborate for Your Healthiest Sleep

Discover a dynamic conversation between Dr. Alison Kole, host of the Sleep Is My Waking Passion podcast, and renowned dental sleep expert Dr. Maria Sokolina, DDS. With over 15 years' experience, Dr. Sokolina is dedicated to bridging the gap between dental and medical sleep care, transforming how we diagnose and treat sleep disorders.

Why Tune In to This Episode?

Top Three Things You Will Learn

• How Dentists Recognize Hidden Signs of Sleep Apnea:
  Learn about the subtle and telling clues within your mouth—such as tooth wear, jaw tension, tongue impressions, and palate visibility—that could signal sleep apnea, even if you're not coming in for sleep complaints.
• Oral Appliance Therapy Demystified:
  Get expert insight on oral appliances as an alternative—or complement—to CPAP. Understand why appliance design, jaw positioning, and even nasal airflow are critical, and how combining treatments can optimize outcomes for patients who struggle with traditional therapies.
• The Importance of a Personalized and Collaborative Approach:
  Hear how individualized assessments, empathy, and multidisciplinary teamwork drive better results. From using technology and telemedicine to evaluating your fatigue levels and daily habits, Dr. Sokolina shares her methods for achieving real improvements in patients’ sleep and quality of life.

Highlights You Can't Miss

• The real-life role dentists play in early detection of sleep apnea symptoms.
• The science behind why people grind or clench their teeth, and how it ties to sleep-disordered breathing.
• Crucial tips on managing nasal obstruction for oral appliance success.
• A look “behind the scenes” at patient consultations, what to expect, and how long it typically takes to optimize therapy results.
• The empowering message: collaboration between dental and medical professionals creates new hope for tough-to-treat sleep conditions.

If you’re tired, frustrated, or just curious about improving your sleep—or if you’re a provider seeking a model for cross-disciplinary care—this episode is your must-listen!

Follow Dr. Maria Sokolina at njdentalsleepapnea.com, or join her interactive community on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram (@Dr. Maria Sokolina) for ongoing tips, support, and research updates.

Listen to Sleep Is My Waking Passion and wake up to a better tomorrow.